A fine example of all the good that a man and police officer can do was wiped away in an instant last week when bullets fired by a habitual criminal killed White Center Deputy Sheriff Steve Cox.

Deputy Cox was a man above the plane of most, a man who gave up the potentially lucrative life of an attorney to return to his hometown and take up law enforcement. He was a composed, efficient deputy who "was one of the most coolheaded" and "always levelheaded."

Steve Cox was not only a crime fighter, but a man dedicated to the comprehensive betterment of White Center. He was on a slew of committees and was the elected president of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. He was not merely a presiding officer but a man who put his heart and soul into the community and everything he did.

At home, Cox and his wife had just adopted a son from Guatemala and planned to adopt another child soon.

It would be impossible to find anyone in the community who not only respected Steve Cox, but liked him. People were in tears when they heard of his brutal and sudden death. This was a senseless crime and it is fitting the man who fired the bullets also died of a bullet.

We must always remember that the men and women who stand on the front lines to defend us in our own homes and workplaces put themselves in danger every day. They deserve our continued and deep respect.

The community lost a valuable man, who loved his community and the idea that he could make a difference. No one will soon forget the likes of Steve Cox.